How Long are Cold Sores Contagious

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that around 50 to 80% of American adults are infected with the HSV-1 virus, which is the virus that causes oral herpes or cold sores.

Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, is a condition that is characterized by the development of fluid-filled blisters on the lips and around the mouth. It is caused due to Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1). It is a highly contagious disease, and the virus can be transmitted to others through direct contact.

The virus can get transmitted due to direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected person, kissing, sharing food or utensils, contact with the respiratory secretions of the infected person, touching the infected person's possessions like toothbrush, towel, and clothes, etc.

Once a person is exposed to this virus, the virus lies within the nerve cells in a dormant state. It gets activated when the body's immune system is compromised due to infections, fever, cold, allergies, sunburn, physical or mental stress, etc.

The virus multiplies, thereby causing an outbreak in the form of blisters on the lips. This condition is highly contagious, however, the risk of transmission is higher in certain stages.

Five Stages of Oral Herpes

◘ Tingling Stage: In this stage, there is usually no visible outbreak. However, the affected person feels a slight tingling sensation on the lips or around the mouth. Other symptoms include swelling, redness, and soreness in the region of tingling. This is also known as prodromal stage, and it lasts for a day or two.

◘ Blister Stage: This is the stage that is characterized by the formation of a small fluid-filled blister. This usually lasts for two days. In this stage, clusters of large blisters might appear, which could all join to form one large blister.

◘ Weeping Stage: The weeping stage is the stage where the blister bursts, to form a painful ulcer that oozes liquid. This stage lasts for a day.

◘ Scabbing Stage: In this stage, the ulcer scabs over for two to three days. It may break open and bleed slightly. It may also itch and burn.

◘ Healing Stage: In this stage, a smaller scab forms. Eventually, the sore disappears as the scab begins to heal and peels off on its own.

Myth: 

Cold sores are contagious only when blisters appear.

Fact: 

Though this condition is highly contagious during the weeping stage, wherein the fluid from the blisters starts oozing, the virus can be transmitted right from the time the tingling sensation starts and the blisters begin to appear.

Cold sores are contagious at all stages. When there is an active outbreak, there is always a risk of the virus being transmitted from the infected person to another.

Weeping stage is the most contagious stage, as the fluid that oozes out contains millions of viruses, and the virus might get transmitted due to physical contact. So, when the cold sore bursts and breaks open, you need to ensure that you do not establish any kind of contact with the infected person.

Avoid physical contact until the sores have healed completely. Do follow these precautionary measures:

◘ Refrain from coming into contact with infected person's body fluids such as the saliva. Avoid kissing the infected person.
◘ Don't share utensils, towels, razor, or any other item that the infected person may have used.

◘ Avoid things that trigger oral herpes (stress, fatigue, colds, or the flu).
◘ Exposure to sun could be a trigger, which is why applying a sunscreen or a lip balm with a sunscreen could prevent flare-ups.
◘ Don't touch the blisters. If you do, wash your hands.

◘ Don't let anyone use your towels, razors, toothbrushes, utensils, etc.
◘ Since the immune system of infants has not yet fully developed, one must not touch or kiss them during an active outbreak.

Cold sores cannot be cured, but antiviral drugs can be used to promote healing. Though this condition is contagious at all times, the chances of transmission are higher during the weeping stage. Once the virus enters the body, it stays inside forever. So, take precautionary measures to prevent an outbreak, as well as the transmission of the virus.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.